General practitioner involvement in a group home

Abstract

This paper describes the experience of a general practitioner employed to provide physical care to 12 highly dependent residents of a group home. In the first year after their discharge from hospital the residents required a mean of 15 contacts each, 90% of which occurred during regular twice-weekly visits to the home. Previously unmet needs for physical care were identified on screening, including visual, dental and footcare problems which were usually correctable. Smoking and obesity were common and resistant to intervention. Shared care policies are described which were developed together with the nursing staff and visiting mental health professionals.